Guest Blog: Helen Williams a Celebrant at Treasured Ceremonies
One thing you might not know about Top of the Woods is.. we LOVE to host special celebrations! From unique weddings, to life celebrations or 'just cause' friends & family gatherings. There is something amazing about coming together in nature on a camping or glamping holiday.
As Treasured Ceremonies’ wedding celebrant, I get to create wedding ceremonies for all sorts of gorgeous people in venues from formal to funky.
I’m based on the borders between Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, and love both counties - woodland, beach, mountain, meadow, the choice for outdoor weddings is enormous!
- However! -
Wedding Festivals are becoming ever more popular, and TOTW ticks every box for a dream wedding or celebration in the wilds of Pembrokeshire.
Having a celebrant-led wedding festival means your wedding is experienced by everyone, not simply observed.
The lovely Soo has invited me to give more information about what I do; so, here goes!
What is a “celebrant wedding”?
It's the part of the wedding tradition that everybody remembers!
Think of your wedding as a gathering of your friends and family to celebrate your love, and witness you make promises to each other.
Add to that a very personal ceremony full of romance and symbolism and you have a celebrant wedding. You will have signed the wedding register already at the register office.
Is it a “real” wedding?
Yes! In fact, this is how it's done in many other countries, including France with all its romantic connotations! If you think about it, a wedding is the only ceremony during which we traditionally sign the register during the ceremony. It's done separately for both birth and death. (You don't register either during a christening or a funeral).
Will I make my vows twice?
You'll make your legal vows at your signing, so I always suggest you write your own vows. It means so much more to be promising what's important to you, rather than the same as everybody else does. You can find advice for this on my website, but I can write them with your guidance of you prefer.
How else does it differ from a registrar ceremony?
I specialise in creating bespoke ceremonies. There are no templates in the process.
I will uncover your story as a couple by meeting with you as well as sending you a questionnaire.
Of course, I will be the person with you on your big day, by then we'll know each other better so I hope I would feel more like a friend leading your ceremony.
Why would a celebrant ceremony work so well at TOTW?
We'll reflect your love of the great outdoors
Your wedding can be held absolutely anywhere you want it!
If you really, really love being outside, why would you go inside on the most important day of your life?
If you’re lucky with the weather have a full-on outdoor ceremony with a splendid backdrop of hills and forest. No going under cover to sign any paper work.
If the weather’s less kind, we can take the outdoors in to one of the barns. It’s amazing what you can do with a great wedding backdrop, some hay-bales and twinkly lights...
Bring the festival vibe into your ceremony
You and your tribe may be at TOTW for the whole weekend, you want to keep the relaxed atmosphere. I only officiate one wedding per day, so if there are glitches in the time we start, I won't be worried (within reason!)
Anything goes!
Dogs, children, bring them on! I've written both into wedding ceremonies. Often as part of the symbolism we've included.
Which reminds me...
Symbolism!
I've a treasure chest of ideas to symbolise whatever's important in your love match! So, sand pouring to show two families joining?
Candles to show the warmth of your love and light your road ahead. Hand fasting (there are SO many different ways…)?
Create your favourite cocktail to mix up the bitter, sweet, bubbly moments life will throw at you?
This really lift a ceremony, and with no time restrictions, we can include your family and friends in the fun if you like.
Having said that, some of my most beautiful ceremonies have had very little extra symbolism, the words spoken within stunning venues have been enough.
What else?
Just like TOTW, I'm here for more than just wedding ceremonies. If you just want a ceremony to show how much you mean to each other, I'm your woman!
Call it a commitment ceremony, a love party, vow renewal…..you describe the cause to be celebrated, I'll create the ceremony.
Find Out More about Group Camping & Glamping Celebration Holidays at Top of the Woods
Top of the Woods Provides the Best Eco Luxury Glamping & Camping Holidays in Pembrokeshire and Cardigan Bay in Wales, UK. Sustainable Staycations. Beaches. Nature. Woodlands. Dog Friendly.